Frequently asked questions.

Rather than proceeding with a rezoning application, we are applying to the District of Highlands for a Temporary Use Permit. A TUP is time-limited (3 years and renewable), giving the community a clear opportunity to evaluate our operations before any longer-term decisions are made. It establishes defined conditions that address neighbourhood concerns, and allows us to demonstrate responsible operation.

Our proposed operations under the TUP include:

• Maximum 60-person assembly in designated areas only

• Maximum 20 overnight tents for 60 days/year in designated areas only

• The majority of the site preserved as a Nature Area with only intermittent use such as nature trails

We will not operate as a commercial campground or public recreation facility, be open to walk-in visitors, or host large-scale or festival-style events.

The average daily assembly will be 35 people.

Yes. Cedar Song's proposal aligns closely with the Highlands OCP and Sustainability Plan, and the District's sustainability impact assessment ranked our initial application exceptionally high. Our programming directly supports OCP goals including protection of natural areas, low-impact development, ecological connectivity, and local food security. See the Community Benefits section for a full breakdown.

A donor has recently offered to sponsor a shuttle service, which would significantly limit the daily number of vehicles entering and exiting the property.

With the shuttle in place, most students would arrive by shuttle directly to the rear parking area. We would expect only a small number of family vehicles on the property—approximately 10 vehicles at drop-off and 10 at pick-up—all directed to the back lot, which is much farther from neighbouring homes.

A professional traffic study counted 800–1,000 cars per day along Ross Durrance Road in May 2025.

We have taken neighbour feedback seriously and made concrete changes. Our new application designates specific activity areas to increase distance from property lines. Additional measures include:

• A quiet zone buffer of 40-100 feet from all property lines with posted reminder signs

• Activity areas located deeper into the property, away from neighbouring residences

• Property-wide quiet hours from 8pm to 8am

• Drop-off and pick-up relocated away from neighbouring property lines

• Clear restrictions prohibiting loud emotional releases from workshop participants

The "Wolf Howl" communication system, used to call dispersed students together, can be reduced or replaced if neighbours find it intrusive.

Fire safety is among our highest priorities. In April 2024, the Highlands Fire Chief inspected the property and reviewed all fire tending locations. Each is within reach of a water spigot with a long hose, and a fire extinguisher is stored within 10 feet of each fire bowl, exceeding local requirements.

We follow all restrictions set by the Highlands Fire Department and only light fires when permits allow. No campfires are ever lit during non-permitted fire season.

No participants in overnight workshops will be permitted to tend a personal fire without instructor supervision. We are also actively restoring land, removing scotch broom and replacing it with native species, to reduce fire risk across the region.

The property draws its water from a high-flow artesian well at the base of Mt Work. The proposed land uses will draw very little additional water. All gardens use drip irrigation and swale technology to capture and retain water in the soil. With successful land restoration, water retention for the immediate region could be enhanced for neighbouring properties as well.

No. We are not asking to develop open public camping. Our proposal seeks permission to erect up to 20 tents in a designated walk-in area to accommodate seasonal overnight programs facilitated by professional guides. All overnight use is part-time and conducted through structured, registered workshops only. There is no development of permanent campsites and they are not open for general use.

The property is currently zoned GB2, which permits home-based businesses and agriculture. Alaina Hallett, the primary owner and resident, began hosting nature education programs under the GB2 home-based business permissions. As the programs grew in scale, operations eventually exceeded the permitted home-based business metrics.

Programming at the property was stopped in May 2025, and all activities were temporarily moved to other locations and local parks while the proper approvals are being pursued. We are committed to operating within all applicable bylaws.

Caretaking and restoring 54-acres of disturbed land and wild forest is a serious undertaking. In the three years since purchasing the property, we have:

• Removed previous tenants from unpermitted structures with unsafe heating devices and no septic

• Removed multiple tons of abandoned waste including derelict boats, RVs, paint cans, and plastics from stream beds.

• Cleaned areas left in disrepair by previous tenants

• Begun restoration of riparian areas with native dogwood, willow, and cottonwood

• Cleared four acres of scotch broom and replanted with native and food-producing species

• Started regional fire mitigation by pruning low tree limbs and clearing underbrush

• Revitalized the old orchard and garden area to new abundant production

Thriving Roots families and students have contributed hundreds of hours of volunteer labour. Many more hours will be needed to restore 8+ remaining acres of scotch broom — reinforcing why this land benefits from a community of engaged stewards, not a single household.